Egypt pushes plan to become regional hub for higher education

TDT | Manama

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Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi reviewed an ambitious government plan to transform the country into a regional and international hub for higher education, research and innovation.

The discussions took place during a meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Higher Education Minister Dr Abdel Aziz Konsowa.

According to a presidential spokesperson, the meeting focused on the Ministry of Higher Education’s strategy for the coming phase, which aims to position Egypt as a destination for students and researchers from around the world while supporting a shift toward a knowledge-based economy.

Officials said Egypt now has 129 universities, including public, private, national, technological and international branch campuses.

President el-Sisi stressed the importance of continuing to develop the higher education and research system, describing it as a key pillar in building human capital and achieving sustainable development. He also emphasised the role of universities in strengthening training programmes and skills development to meet labour market needs.

The meeting also reviewed efforts to improve academic and administrative performance, including initiatives to develop faculty capabilities and enhance quality standards. The minister said an executive committee has been formed to oversee the digitisation of the enterprise resource management system, as part of a wider push towards full digital transformation in university administration.

Plans are also underway to modernise faculty training centres to align with international standards and evolving academic requirements.

President el-Sisi called for greater cooperation with leading international universities and institutions to benefit from global expertise and improve the quality of Egypt’s higher education system.

A key focus of the discussions was also linking scientific research with industry.

Officials outlined plans to turn academic research into marketable products and services, support innovation and entrepreneurship, and establish “technology valleys” to strengthen collaboration between universities and industry.

The meeting further reviewed ongoing healthcare-related projects within universities, including upgrades to hospitals in Alexandria University, improvements at El-Mowasat Hospital, and modernisation of operating rooms and endoscopy units at Shatby Maternity and Children’s Hospital. Plans for an Egypt branch of Cairo University in Eritrea were also highlighted.

The government also discussed efforts to “export Egyptian education” by expanding partnerships with high-ranking international universities, offering joint programmes, and targeting strategically important regions to attract foreign students.